Computer component cover

ABSTRACT

A computer cover designed to generally cover the front side of a computer component, or the side that is closest to the computer user when the computer is in use, with a cover, and in doing so to limit access to the knobs and slots found on that front side. To achieve this purpose, a cover is disclosed which is removably attached to the component, and shields the front side of the component, including all knobs and slots located on that side. Various means are disclosed for removably affixing the cover to the computer component.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of previously filed co-pending Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/366,747, filed Mar. 22, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to accessories for computers. In particular, the present invention provides a protective cover for the components of a computer system, such as the cathode ray tube (CRT) or the microprocessor unit, for example. More specifically, the present invention relates to covers that protect computer components by minimizing exposure to dust, dirt and grime, as well as by preventing access to any external buttons, switches, or slots.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Computers are becoming increasingly more prevalent in today's society. As a result, children are being introduced to the use of a computer at increasingly younger ages. In fact, it is common for all schools, learning centers and daycares, as well as many homes, to have computers available to the children.

[0004] Unfortunately, many of the personal computers which are made available to children have control buttons, switches, and slots exposed on the face or front side of the components. For instance, it is common for a cathode ray tube monitor (CRT) to have an “on/off” button on the front side of the monitor, along with other buttons, which affect the appearance of the screen. Similarly, microprocessor cases also typically have “on/off” and “reset” buttons on the front of the case, as well as slots to accept CD ROMS or diskettes.

[0005] As any parent knows, children tend to be curious about their surroundings, and they often tend to satisfy their curiosity by touching. When working or playing on a personal computer, this curiosity often results in the children adjusting the control buttons, turning the computer off, or inserting foreign objects into the CD or disk drives. When the computer is running, such sudden changes in settings often translates into disruption of the computer system, and can, in certain circumstances, cause damage to the hardware or software.

[0006] Thus, there is a need and desire for a simple protective device which will allow children to work or play on a computer, but which will at the same time prevent children from adjusting the buttons which are exposed on the face of the computer components, or from inserting objects into the exposed slots. There is a need for such a device that can be easily attached to a computer monitor or microprocessor case, and which will remain on the monitor or microprocessor case while the computer is in use.

[0007] There is also a need for a cover which will protect computer components that are placed in high traffic areas, and which have its external buttons and switches inadvertently adjusted by individuals walking by or pushing carts or other objects. Such a device is needed particularly in an industrial setting, where computers are used in the vicinity of the manufacturing process, or in other settings such as stores, where large amounts of foot traffic may be present.

[0008] Although prior art discloses many devices designed to be mounted on a computer monitor, these devices fail to adequately protect the external buttons and slots. For instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,450, issued to Coons, a cover for a computer monitor is disclosed which permits storage of office materials and side flaps attached to the cover. This device also provides support platforms for holding documents being examined by the user, as well as a shield piece which can be quickly placed over the monitor screen to block viewing of the matter being displayed on the monitor. Although the device disclosed by Coons and similar devices provide for a shield piece to be placed over the monitor screen, it is intended that this device be rolled up and removed from the monitor screen while the computer is in use.

[0009] Another patent which discloses a foldable screen protector is U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,757, issued to Chen on Apr. 16, 1996. The foldable screen protector disclosed in the Chen patent is meant to be removed from the screen when the computer is in use. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,793, issued to Salansky on Mar. 19, 1996 also discloses a device which includes a retractable dust cover which can be extended to shield the monitor from dust when the computer is not in use. Although these prior inventions include certain advantages, they do not address the problem of providing for protection of the exposed buttons and slots on the face of the computer monitor and microprocessor case while the computer is in use.

[0010] Other devices are well known in the prior art which provide for computer monitor screen glare shades. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,419, issued to Kapple et al. on Nov. 7, 2000 teaches a computer monitor screen glare shade with a magnifier mounted between the user and the computer monitor screen. Another class of inventions provides ornamental devices designed to attach to the face of the monitor. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,209, issued to Zagnoli on Oct. 15, 1996 teaches an apparatus for positioning around a screen of a computer monitor, the purpose of which is to improve the aesthetic appearance.

[0011] Although the prior art inventions may be effective for the purposes disclosed in the patents discussed above, the prior art does not effectively address the issue of preventing children from having access to the buttons on the components. The prior art also does not protect the exposed slots on the face of the microprocessor case and the buttons contained thereon. Nor do these prior art inventions provide protection to the computer components from dirt or grime, or from inadvertent physical shock which may cause the external buttons and slots to be inadvertently adjusted or damaged. These limitations and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome and corrected by the present invention which permits the computer to be used by children, while preventing those children from having access to the control buttons or exposed diskette drives or CD ROM slots, and protects the components and their external components from physical shock. In addition, the present computer cover is removable, such that an adult may easily and quickly remove the cover from their view of the monitor, should they desire to do so.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a cover for use with a computer component, such as a monitor or microprocessor case or similar device. The present invention makes it possible to allow small children to work or play on the computer, while preventing those children from causing damage to the computer by adjusting the knobs or inserting foreign objects into the exposed slots. The present invention also allows a computer to be placed in a high traffic area, while minimizing the likelihood that the component might be damaged, or the settings inadvertently adjusted, by physical shock which may result from being placed in a high traffic area. The present invention also reduces the computer component's exposure to dust, dirt and grime, which may cause damage to the component.

[0013] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a cover designed to generally cover the front side of a computer component, or the side that is closest to the computer user when the computer is in use, with a cover, and in doing so to limit access to the knobs and slots found on that front side. To achieve this purpose, a cover is disclosed which is removably attached to the component, and shields the front side of the component, including all knobs and slots located on that side. Various means are disclosed for removably affixing the cover to the computer component.

[0014] It should be appreciated, however, that other embodiments fall within the spirit and scope of this invention which protect the external sides of a computer component other than, or in addition to, the side that normally faces the user. For example, the scope of the present invention would encompass covers that protect computers on which the buttons are not on the side closest to the user, but on a different side.

[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The following figures set forth the preferred embodiment of the present invention:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown attached to a typical CRT monitor, showing hook attachment fasteners on the top side of the CRT aligned with loop, or matt, attachment fasteners on the back of the cover, living hinges on the cover near the top side-front side edge of the CRT, and a flap at the bottom of the cover with a living hinge.

[0018]FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, further depicting the living hinges for adjustability of the cover to different sized computer components.

[0019]FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1, further depicting the holes near the bottom of the cover adjacent to that part of the front side of the CRT that typically contains a speaker.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention as shown attached to a typical microprocessor tower, along with mesh material attached to portions of the left side, the right side, and the bottom of the cover for adjustability, hook attachment fasteners on the top side of the microprocessor tower aligned with loop attachment fasteners on the back of the cover, living hinges on the cover near the top side-front side edge of the microprocessor tower, a flap near the top of the cover with a living hinge, and holes adjacent to that part of the tower which typically contains ventilation holes.

[0021]FIG. 5 is another view of the cover of FIG. 4, depicting the flap in the “open” position and showing the location of the bottom of the flap when the flap is in the “closed” position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

[0023] A computer component shall be described as having a top side, a front side, a bottom side, a rear side, a left side and a right side. These terms signify the different sides of the component as seen from the user when using the component. In a standard personal computer CRT, for example, the “front side” would be the side with the monitor screen. Similarly, in the microprocessor tower case of a standard personal computer, any disc drive or CD-ROM tray would typically be located in the “front side” as seen from a user. The “left side” of the component shall be designated based upon the location of that side as seen from the user looking at the front side.

[0024] Where is it necessary to refer to a portion of a component's side, that portion will be referred to as a “segment”. In other words, the term “segment” shall be used to indicate less than the entirety of a side. Segments shall be labeled in relation to the other sides of the component which are nearest that side. For example, most users are familiar with a typical CRT screen as shown in FIG. 1, which has a screen and control buttons. As used herein, the term “front side” or equivalent shall refer to the entire side of the CRT in which the screen is located. The term “bottom segment of the front side” or equivalent shall refer to that portion of the front side closest to the bottom side, for example where the control buttons are shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] When referring to the various parts of the cover, the parts shall be described as seen from the perspective of the user looking at the cover when the cover is attached to a computer. For instance, the “front side” of the cover shall be the part of the cover that faces the user, and the “back side” shall be the side facing and attached to the computer. The “bottom” of the cover shall be the part of the cover that is attached to the bottom segment of the front side of the computer, and the “top” shall be the part of the cover that is attached to the top side of the component.

[0026] Finally, where two sides meet, the term “edge” shall be used in conjunction with the names of the two sides. For example, where the component front side meets the top side, the term “top side-front side edge” shall be used.

[0027] The above terms shall also be used to describe the various parts of the present invention that correlate to the parts of the computer that the segment is covering. For example, where it is intended to identify that portion of the cover that is meant to cover the front side of the computer component, the portion shall be referred to as the “cover front side” or equivalent.

[0028] The computer component cover of the present invention includes a cover made of a suitable covering material, such as plastic, leather, metal, or fabric. The cover material may be entirely transparent, allowing the user to see the computer component in its entirety when the cover is in place. Alternatively, the portion of the cover which covers the screen, as may be present when the present invention is used on a CRT screen, may be transparent while the remaining portions of the cover are not transparent.

EXAMPLE 1

[0029] In the preferred embodiment, there is included a cover which is removably attached to the front side of the computer component by means of a hook and loop fastening method, such as Velcro. More specifically, in the embodiment preferred for ;use on a CRT monitor, there is located on the top side of the computer component hook portions of Velcro or a similar fastener. These hook portion are located near the top side-front side edge. Located on the back of the cover, or the side that faces away from the computer user and toward the component, are matching pieces of the hook portion of Velcro fastener. Thus, when the current invention is applied to a CRT monitor to be protected, the hook portions on the CRT are matched to the loop portions on the cover, thus removably affixing the cover to the top side of the CRT and allowing the cover to be draped over the face of the CRT monitor.

[0030] Further, there is also disclosed in the embodiment preferred for use on a CRT monitor hook portions of Velcro or similar fastener located on the front side of the CRT monitor. These hook portions are located below the computer screen, near the front side-bottom side edge. Matching loop portions of Velcro or similar fastener are located on the back of the cover. Thus, once the cover is draped over the front of the CRT monitor, the hook portions on the bottom of the cover are matched to the loop portions on the back of the cover, thus removably affixing the bottom of the cover to CRT monitor front side. The use of loop and hook fasteners allows for to the repositionable adherence of the cover to the computer component. Although Velcro is used in the preferred embodiment, other means for removable positioning are known to those skilled in the art, for example Dual Lock, Double Stick, or similar products, mesh, netting, suction devices, or straps.

[0031] In order to allow the preferred embodiment of the present invention to fit differently sized components, there are located one or more “living hinges” or creases across the width of the cover. In the embodiment preferred for use with a CRT monitor, these living hinges are located near the top of the cover, at spaced distances apart from one another. Because there are several living hinges located across the width of the cover and near the top, the cover can more securely fit the shape of the different-sized CRT monitors. Specifically, having one or more living hinges located near the top of the cover allows the cover to conform to the shape of the monitor in the vicinity of the top side-front side edge, regardless of the height of the front side of the CRT monitor.

[0032] In practice, the benefit of the living hinges can best be appreciated by considering the process used to apply the cover to a CRT monitor. The user applies the cover using the Velcro fasteners described above by first matching the hook and loop portions of those fasteners located at the bottom of the cover. The user then lifts the top of the cover up and over the top side of the CRT monitor, and secures the cover to the fasteners on the top side. When the Velcro fasteners on the bottom of the front side of the monitor are properly located, the cover can be made to conform to the shape of the monitor by having the location of one of the living hinges coincide with the top side-front side edge.

[0033] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses living hinges, many other manners of providing flexible geometry for the cover to fit differently sized computers are known in the art. For example, the use of a rigid material that bends at various positions will allow the cover to fit many different components, as will the use of material that is flexible throughout its geometry. It is to be understood that the present invention is intended to encompass all manners known to those in the art of affixing a cover to an object such that a single-sized cover may fit differently sized components.

[0034] Another aspect of the present invention is also shown in the embodiment preferred for use on a CRT monitor. This option is an access panel located at the bottom of the cover which allows access to the knobs, buttons, CD rom slots, or lights contained on the front side of the CRT monitor. The access panel in the preferred embodiment is in the form of a simple flap, in which there is included a set of fasteners which connect the flap to the front side of the cover.

[0035] A living hinge located at the top of the flap allows for ease of use of the flap. In the preferred embodiment, the access panel flap does not run across the entire width of the cover, but only across the majority of the width. FIG. 1 depicts a cover with a typical flap. This design allows the bottom left and right edges of the cover to be affixed to the outer left and right edges of the CRT monitor, thus providing for more stable and stronger attachment of the cover to the CRT. In this configuration, the flap is located between outer left and right edges.

[0036] Although the preferred embodiment employs a flap for use as an access panel, other devices are well known in the art which fall within the spirit and scope of this element of the invention. By way of example, zippered panels, vertical flaps, flaps with or without interference fits, spring-loaded latches, ball bearing latches, trip latches, catch latches, sliding panels, flaps used in conjunction with hook and loop devices, and similar mechanisms may provide for access to the controls that may be limited by strength and dexterity. Alternatively, the present invention also includes a cover that has no flap or other access panel at all, but instead allows access to the control knobs only by removing the cover from the component.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, there is also a fastener on each side of the flap, identified as a left fastener and a right fastener, which serve the purpose of keeping the access panel in place, even if small children attempted to open the panel. The left fastener connects the left side of the flap to the left side of the cover, and the right fastener covers the right side of the flap to the right side of the cover. The left and right fasteners are generally mounted in mirror relation to each other as seen by the computer user, so this Specification will discuss only the left fastener of the preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, one side of the left fastener is mounted on a post located on the front of the computer cover. By virtue of being mounted on a post, the fastener is capable of pivoting about that post. The back of the fastener contains a cavity which engages a post mounted on the front of the access panel. The post on the access panel is sized so as to create an interference fit with the cavity on the back of the fastener.

[0038] In use, the user gains access to the buttons and knobs by pivoting the fastener such that the cavity on the back of the fastener disengages from the post on the access panel. The user than continues to pivot the fastener until it does not interfere with the opening of the access panel. The interference fit may be sized to allow only individuals having at least a certain strength and dexterity to pivot the fastener such that it disengages from the post and allows clearance to open the access panel, similar to child-proof caps for medicines. For instance, it is well known in the art that as children get older, their strength and dexterity typically increase. Making use of this correlation permits the designing of computer covers having access panels designed to keep children younger than a certain age, on average, from being able to access the buttons, knobs or slots, due to the mechanical requirements of opening the access panel.

[0039] In practice, the access panel of the present invention would be in the down or lowered position, until an outside influence, such as an adult or older child, takes the necessary actions to allow the flap to be lifted, and thus exposes the knobs, buttons, CD-ROM slot, lights or other objects. Once the user is finished accessing the buttons or slots of interest, the flap may be returned to the lowered position, and the fasteners pivoted back to their closed positions, again preventing access to the knobs or other items.

[0040] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention contains fasteners with cavities that form an interference fit with a post located on the access panel, those skilled in the art will be aware of other manners of limiting a user's ability to open the access panel that fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention, and such modifications are to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] There is also provided in the preferred embodiment of the present invention small openings through the cover, to allow for sound to travel from the speaker located in the computer component through the cover. In the embodiment preferred for use on a CRT monitor, for example, these small openings may be a series of holes. These holes may be located near the bottom of the cover, adjacent to the location on the front side of the CRT where speakers are typically located.

EXAMPLE 2

[0042] FIGS. 4-5 demonstrate the embodiment of the present invention which is preferred for use on a microprocessor tower, or similar component. There is provided an attachment element to allow the cover to be used with different sized components. Such an attachment element is shown in FIGS. 4-5.

[0043] Specifically, a mesh material is attached to the to the perimeter of the cover, including at least portions of left side, the right side, and the bottom of the cover. This mesh material has an elastic element around the perimeter such that the mesh is similar to a hair net in configuration. When the cover is attached to the computer component, this mesh material is placed around the left side, bottom, and right side of the microprocessor tower and held in place by the elastic element. Thus, the mesh material of the present invention ensures that the bottom of the cover remains fixably attached to the bottom of the computer component. This mesh element may be used in conjunction with Velcro type fasteners on the top side of the component to be covered, as depicted in FIG. 2. Other means for removably affixing the cover of the present invention to a computer component are well known to the art, and would include, for example, straps, suction cups, brackets, screws, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective cover for use on a computer component such that it restricts young children and other inadvertent access to the knobs and slots located on the computer component comprising: a cover; said cover of sufficient size to allow for covering of the knobs and slots on the computer component; said cover made of a suitably inflexible material to restrict access to the knobs and slots on the computer component; and, a means for removable attachment of said cover on to and off of the computer component.
 2. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover has one or more hinges across the breadth or width of said cover allowing for removable attachment at various locations on to, and for varying sizes of, computer component while still covering the knobs and slots of the computer component.
 3. A protective cover as claimed in claim 2 wherein said one or more hinges across the breadth or width of said cover is a repeatably bendable crease in said cover material.
 4. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover has some portion being transparent such that a user, when using the computer cover on a computer component that includes a display screen, can see the computer component display screen.
 5. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover material is entirely transparent, allowing the user to see the computer component in its entirety when said cover is in place.
 6. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for removable attachment is Velcro, Dual Lock, Double Stick or similar products, mesh, netting, suction devices, or straps.
 7. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover has one or more small openings through said cover, such that, when using the computer cover on a computer component that includes a sound output device, said one or more small openings allow for the sound to travel from the sound output device through said cover.
 8. A protective cover as claimed in claim 1 further including a means to allow access to the knobs and slots located on the computer component.
 9. A protective cover as claimed in claim 8 wherein said means to allow access to the knobs and slots is an access panel such as a zippered panel or flap, which provides for access to the knobs and slots located on the computer component.
 10. A protective cover as claimed in claim 9 wherein said access panel is attached to said cover by a hinge to allow access to the knobs and slots located on the computer component.
 11. A protective cover as claimed in claim 8 wherein said access panel includes fasteners to hold said access panel in position to limit access to the knobs and slots located on the computer component.
 12. A protective cover as claimed in claim 11 wherein said fasteners provide for access to the knobs and slots wherein such access is limited by the strength and dexterity of the user attempting to gain access to the knobs and slots.
 13. A protective cover as claimed in claim 9 wherein said hinge is a repeatably bendable crease in said cover material. 